Coffee Cup which belonged to 'Clarinda'

Introduction:

Robert Burns (1759-96) Scotland's National Poet was born in a small thatched cottage in Alloway, Ayrshire, the son of a market gardener. In 1786 after the first publication of his poems Burns travelled to Edinburgh. In the capital he befriended a society lady Mrs. Agnes McLehose ('Clarinda').

Image Rights Holder:

National Trust for Scotland

Ref:

BMT461

Project:

198:The History of Robert Burns at Alloway

Material:

China

Dimensions:

8cm x 7cm

Subject:

The coffee cup on display in Burns Cottage Museum was presented by C.K Sharpe to Mrs. J. G. Craig in 1842. His signed attestation is on a slip attached to it.

Who:

'Clarinda' (Mrs. Agnes McLehose) (friend of Robert Burns)

Robert Burns (poet)

When:

1780-1800 approx.

Where:

The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, South Ayrshire

Background:

The coffee cup on display in Burns Cottage Museum was presented by C.K Sharpe to Mrs. J. G. Craig in 1842. His signed attestation is on a slip attached to it.

Description:

The coffee cup on display was used by 'Clarinda', She was unable to further her relationship with Burns as she was still married, even though her husband had left her to go to Jamaica. Burns and 'Clarinda' corresponded, he being known to her as 'Sylvander'.